Tom from SWISCO responded:
May 24, 2019
Hello! If your windows won't open, then there could be a few issues at work. There could be an obstruction in the side jamb tracks that's preventing the pivot shoe (shown in your second picture) from sliding up. I would carefully look over the track to see if anything is getting in the way. My first instinct is to say to replace the balances, but if they were broken then you would still be able to open the window, it'd just flop back down the second you let go of it. A window not being able to open at all definitely sounds like there's an obstruction somewhere in the side tracks. Get back to me and let me know if you find something! |
Paul from SWISCO responded:
May 29, 2019
The pivot shoe looks damaged, specifically where the terminal clip on your Series 770 balance cord attaches. It looks like that piece is bent. Another reason might be the metal center cam in the pivot shoe is stuck; when this cam is turned, such as when you tilt the sash, little bumpers on either side of the shoe flare out and "lock" it in place. If the cam isn't turning properly after you reinstalled the sash, those bumpers could still be extended. Either way, it sounds like it's an issue with the pivot shoe. I would try to remove your sash and experiment with it to see exactly how it may be broken. |
Paul from SWISCO responded:
May 30, 2019
Sure, the pivot shoe can absolutely be replaced. It's just a matter of trying to get your sash off. If you can remove your sash, then you can remove the pivot shoe no problem. Replacing the entire window is not at all necessary. As for how to remove your sash, that's something I'm afraid that I cannot answer. My hypothesis that your shoe is the reason your sash can't be opened is just a hypothesis. Even if I'm right, the kind of damage I'm talking about would be unique and there's not going to be a tried and true way to deal with it. You'll likely have to improvise. I would definitely have your handyman take a look and see if he would be able to remove the sash so that you can get at that pivot shoe. In the meantime, you may find the videos below helpful. |